Used 2019 Kia Optima SX Sedan Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2019 Kia Optima SX Sedan.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2019 Optima SXL (Limited Package)
Michael SXL, Clinton Township, MI, 01/01/2020
2019 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Love this car! Up front I will say that at 6.7 seconds 0-60mph, it’s not the fastest in its class. HOWEVER, the trade-offs you would have to make for similar class models with a faster 0-60mph time just aren’t worth it.
The Optima SXL-Limited Package isn’t as well known as the base SX model. You can’t find many pictures/videos about the SXL online, but there are a few out there.
The … Limited Package adds about $4,000 to the MSRP. I got the Aubergine color combo. The Nappa leather seats scream luxury, and aren’t as tacky as the basic red/black SX seats. Also, other features are more plush such as the suede headliner, heated rear seats, and the rear window sun-shades. The “Birdseye” Surround View Monitor (only in SXL) is super cool, automatically comes on when reversing but can be turned on as long as you aren’t going faster than 9mph, which comes in handy. You can view all cameras at once, or select cameras individually to view.
The SXL model has upgraded 18” Dark Satin rims with red painted brake calipers. The side mirrors are the same color as the car (black on the SX), and they automatically fold in/out when you lock/unlock the doors which is kinda cool too. There are added chrome accents to the side sills, and of course there is the “SXL” tag on the back of the car with the letter “L” in shiny red.
I LOVE the panoramic sunroof and it is a must get option for this car! I think it adds about $1,000 to MSRP.
Safety features galore! The Lane Keep Assist will literally steer the car to stay in your lane without you even having to touch the steering wheel. As long as there are well painted road lines, this car will steer for you, even driving over 60mph. Obviously not recommended to use like this lol, but it works!
Several different crash avoidance systems, like automatic emergency braking, blind spot warnings on the side mirrors, parking assist, rear cross traffic assist, lane departure warning etc. This model has it all.
The premium Hardon Kardon sound system with subwoofer and surround sound is amazing. I had the 2017 Regal GS with the Bose system, and the Hardon Kardon blows it away!
The car feels like it has zero turbo lag which was always apparent in my 2017 Regal GS. The Optima SXL takes off with virtually no turbo lag, and I can certainly tell the difference when driving in Sport mode. According to the specs the Regal GS beats the 2019 Optima SXL at 0-60mph in 6.2sec versus the Optima at 6.7sec. But honestly, it doesn’t feel like it to me!
All around, the 2019 Optima SXL has a great design and sporty look inside and out. With all the added safety features and limited additions, best car in its class at this price range. $37,410 for my car after charges for White Pearl paint job, wheel locks, carpeted floor mats etc.
Pretty hard to beat!
Great Value in Good Looking Package!
Oldgoldtop, Hull, MA, 11/30/2019
2019 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I used to have to get high end cars get the convenience tech features I wanted. Phones, keyless start, BT, GPS, vented/heated seats, blind spot monitoring and other such options were once reserved for luxury brands. I have had several BMW, Audi and Mercedes which first offered these amenities that have increasingly been made available on less exclusive brands. Fantastic! Now retired, I … no longer can deduct my vehicles so have been looking at some “more affordable” makes. I chose this 2019 Kia SXL Turbo because it offered pretty much most of the options I will not do without, plus a few others. Rear seat heaters and 4 camera surround view monitors were two options I wanted that many others in this class did not offer. I miss the remote push button trunk lid operation on the 2017 Lincoln I had been driving. This “smart trunk is “okay” though. Also Kia seems to be doing away with garage openers too. I had to purchase a small 4 button fob I have placed on the visor to open 3 doors. $12 on Amazon. The operation of the radio/media and GPS navigation is superior to ALL of my previous vehicles. And the Kia UVO also is superior to Android Auto mainly because Android still does not have wireless capability in this car and requires connecting with a usb cable. Texting by voice commands while driving through the UVO is great as is searching for a destination (“navigate to ____ animal shelter”), still I am uncertain if I will be willing to pay the high fee for the necessary UVO subscription after the one year included “trial” expires. Many states are enacting laws to require hands free cell phone use. When not connected to Android Auto, I can always use my voice to send texts via my smartwatch, and I had the dealer install Kia’s remote start so I can rely less on the UVO app for that. And I can always rely on my phone with Google maps to input destination searches. The other UVO features are not worth paying for imo. The “smart cruise control” is great and the operation is simple and intuitive. The Lincoln with just “regular” cruise was cumbersome and annoying to operate with too many buttons. (Wake up Ford!). This car also comes with many safety features like collision avoidance and lane keeping (plus more). Also a 5 star safety rating. The 2.0 4cyl turbo is peppy with a nice note when accelerating but the ride is a bit stiff though not unpleasant at all. The controls are generally well placed, easy to use and do not overly rely on the touch screen, which is nice. I find that I prefer the hard buttons for navigating directly to the menu I want. I have had several touch screens that require precise touching or risk touching the wrong spot. The interior is tasteful with decent materials but will not be confused with a high end luxury car. I am getting over 27 MPG just driving around town, but I am intentionally driving conservatively to test how efficient it can be driven. No doubt that number will decline with my more typical driving. Perhaps there could be a bit more sound deadening material or absorption insulation put in. I notice I could hear some dishes I had in transported in the trunk rattling, sounding like they were in the back seat. The sound when closing the doors and trunk lid seem less solid than I am used to. Minor quibbles really. I do not find the highway noise too bad really. I have had quieter cars but this is more than acceptable. Perhaps my hearing is not what it used to be? I really can’t believe I am driving a Kia! But they seem to be building great cars and the price differential from a more “prestige” brand is significant. And I was able to score a great deal on a leftover horizon blue 2019 model (it looks fantastic!) for $10k below $37K MSRP. Timing is everything and end of year deals are what I typically look to negotiate on. I will see how it goes over time but right now the honeymoon continues. Maybe I should have looked at Kia before!
AWSOME car
Brittany , Gainesville, FL, 09/01/2020
2019 Kia Optima SX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Love my car ! All the extras without the price and a great warranty!
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2019 Kia Optima SX Sedan
What’s new
- Restyled exterior includes new headlights, wheels and trim pieces
- Comprehensive driver assistance features now standard on all Optimas
- Revised Uvo infotainment offerings
- Part of the fourth Optima generation introduced in 2016
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Generous amount of standard equipment
- Pro:All trims get an impressive level of driver assistance features
- Pro:Stylish interior with plenty of small-item and cargo storage
- Pro:Infotainment system is easy to use
- Con:The 1.6T powertrain option is slow to respond and not very smooth
- Con:Sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom
- Con:Rear visibility sacrificed for exterior styling
Which Optima does Edmunds recommend?
Every trim level of the 2019 Optima comes well-equipped with not only luxury and convenience features but safety aids as well, with Kia making its full suite of driver assistance technologies standard on every Optima. Our choice would be the SX model because we like both the refreshed interior and exterior styling touches that are unique to the SX. We also like its turbocharged 2.0-liter powertrain. And even when fully loaded, it's priced very competitively among its rivals.
Full Edmunds Review: 2019 Kia Optima Sedan
Driving
8.0The Optima is not only easy to commute in, but it's also up for a bit of spirited driving. It's composed on the highway, and braking and handling inspire confidence. Strong power from the Optima SX's engine makes this sedan a solid performer.
Comfort
7.5The SX comes with a lot of standard luxury amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, comfortable leather sport seats and a heated steering wheel. The sport-tuned suspension rides a bit stiff, but it's not a deal-breaker.
Interior
8.0While the interior design is a bit pedestrian, it's functional and easy to use. The standard features really make you feel like you got a lot for your money. On the downside, the sloping rear roofline compromises a little headroom in the rear seats.
Utility
7.5The Kia Optima is competitive with the rest of the class when it comes to everyday utility. It has useful cargo capacity and a decent amount of small-item storage inside the cabin. The SX also has a handy automatic-opening trunk.
Technology
7.5The SX trim gives you a better tech experience than lower trims due to upgrades such as a navigation system and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system isn't world-changing, but it's intuitive to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
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Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2019 Kia Optima in Virginia is:
$69.67 per month*Legal